World Pipe Band Championships: Musicians from across the globe travel to Glasgow for The Worlds

10:50, 14 Aug 2015

ByScotland Now

A TOTAL of 230 bands, from as far afield as Canada, Oman, the US, New Zealand and South Africa, will take part in the World Pipe Band Championships this weekend.

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World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green

THOUSANDS of pipers and drummers from around the globe have travelled to Scotland to compete for the title of world champions this weekend.

A total of 230 bands will take part in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.

Organisers expect 16 nations to be represented, with musicians coming from as far afield as Canada, Oman, the US, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Bands from Austria and Malaysia will take part for the first time, while there will also be pipers from across Europe and from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and England.

The World Pipe Band Championships, which take place on Glasgow Green, will also feature Highland dancing competitions, a Highland games, a children's area and food village.

The competition, known as The Worlds, takes place at the end of Piping Live!, a week-long celebration of piping in Glasgow featuring contemporary and traditional performances.

World Pipe Band Championship at Glasgow Green

Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: "The World Pipe Band Championships are the pinnacle of pipe band competition and we are expecting another competition of the highest quality.

"Two hundred and 30 bands are putting the finishing touches to their performances after hundreds of hours of practice for their competitions.

"The spectacle which will unfold on Glasgow Green on August 14 and 15 is a unique celebration of Scottish culture which will leave everyone who sees it with indelible memories of outstanding musicians."

Councillor Archie Graham, chair of Glasgow Life and depute leader of Glasgow City Council, will be chieftain for the championships.

He said: "The Worlds have been associated with Glasgow for over 60 years and in that time have become one of the most anticipated events the city hosts each year.

"To have so many bands competing here reinforces Glasgow's global reputation as a warm and welcoming host city. There is nothing to compare with the sights and sounds of Glasgow Green during The Worlds."

Look back on last year's Piping Live! festival with our gallery below.